Aerosmith "Walk This Way"
Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” is not only a quintessential hard rock anthem of the 1970s but also a revolutionary track that reshaped music history through its fusion with hip-hop in the 1980s. With its iconic guitar riff and Steven Tyler’s rhythmically charged vocals, the song continues to captivate listeners across generations.
Song Overview
The original version of “Walk This Way” appeared on Aerosmith’s 1975 album Toys in the Attic. From the very first riff, the song bursts with funky, hard-driving energy. Steven Tyler delivers humorous and sexually suggestive lyrics in a rapid-fire vocal style that blends rock with funk—a bold and fresh approach at the time.
In 1986, Aerosmith teamed up with rap group Run-D.M.C. to re-record the track. This new version broke genre barriers by blending rock and hip-hop, shocking the music world and paving the way for future cross-genre collaborations.
Songwriting and Production
“Walk This Way” was written by guitarist Joe Perry and vocalist Steven Tyler. The original 1975 version was produced by Jack Douglas, who played a crucial role in capturing Aerosmith’s raw, high-energy sound during their golden era.
The 1986 version with Run-D.M.C. was produced by Rick Rubin, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings. Rubin’s vision helped bridge rock and rap, expanding the boundaries of mainstream music.
Charts
The original version of “Walk This Way” reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977, becoming Aerosmith’s first Top 10 hit. The 1986 collaboration with Run-D.M.C. performed even better, peaking at No. 4 on the same chart. It attracted fans of both rock and hip-hop, achieving crossover success rarely seen before.
Music Video
The music video for the 1986 version features a symbolic scene in which Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C. perform on opposite sides of a wall—until they break through it and play together. This literal breaking of the wall mirrored the cultural significance of the collaboration. The video became a major sensation on MTV and is now remembered as a landmark moment in music history.
“Walk This Way” is more than just a rock track. It’s a groundbreaking piece that bridged musical worlds and challenged the boundaries of genre. Its innovation and impact continue to resonate with new audiences around the world.
Aerosmith - Walk This Way (Live From The Office Depot Center, Sunrise, FL, April 3, 2004)